WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Shoulderbar Soldierfish

Myripristis kuntee

Also known as: Epaulette Soldierfish, Epaulette Squirrelfish, Kuntee Soldierfish, Kuntee Squirrelfish, Pearly Soldierfish, Pearly Squirrelfish, Shoulderbar Squirrelfish

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2016
Adult
@greatwhite · Madang Resort Hotel, Papua New Guinea · May 20121 / 1
01

Overview

Found in large schools, below the surge zone, over reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs, rich in coral growth.
They feed nocturnally on crab larvae and zooplankton.

Soldierfish are nocturnal hunters feeding in the water column on zooplankton. During the day they often congregate close to reefs and in caves, sometimes found upside down in caves.
They can often be heard by divers with their pops, grunts and clicks.
Their colour can change greatly in different lights and if threatened.
Some soldierfish have venomous spines.

02

How to identify

COLOURS
Pattern
black bars
Fins & Tail
white fin tips
Head & Mouth
big eyes

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found in large schools, below the surge zone, over reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs, rich in coral growth.

04

Adult photos 1

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderHolocentriformes
    5. familyHolocentridae
    6. genusMyripristis
    7. speciesMyripristis kuntee Valenciennes, 1831

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Squirrelfishes-Soldierfishes (Holocentridae)